Mata, who scored in United’s 3-2 win over Roma in Denver , believes Van Gaal’s attention to detail and refusal to compromise his high standards when it comes to training and preparation are just what the deposed champions need to plot their route back to the top.

United, who began their US tour with a 7-0 route of LA Galaxy, conceded two late goals in the win over Roma, with Mata revealing Van Gaal laid into them afterwards for their sloppiness.

“He’s right to be demanding,” said Mata. “As a player you want a coach like this, always demanding more, to play better and to try to win the games earlier or in a different way.

“After the game, when we had given two goals away, he was not very happy, but I think his way is that of a great manager.

“He’s very honest with the players, he says what he thinks and has a clear way of understanding football.”

Mata, voted Chelsea’s Player of the Season two years running before falling out of favour under Jose Mourinho in his second spell at Stamford Bridge, believes his best is yet to come at United.

He scored six goals in 15 appearances for United following his move midway through the season, but believes his preparation this summer will give him the launch-pad to flourish next season.

“It’s my first pre-season with Manchester United and my first tour with the club and I’m trying to get ready for the first game against Swansea,” said Mata.

“I’ll try my best and hopefully we can play good football and I can do assists and score goals, because that’s what I have to do.

“It was difficult last season. When I arrived it was a difficult time for the club.

“We changed managers but didn’t get the results. But we’re starting a new season with a new manager and we aim to put the club back where it deserves to be – which is fighting at the top.

“Things are changing and everyone is finding their new role in the team.”

Mata thrived in the No.10 role at Chelsea but was played out of position by Moyes, who shunted him out wide to accommodate Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie.

But Mata, restored to his most effective role by Van Gaal, said: “If I play behind the two strikers I feel comfortable.

“I’ve played on the left or right, but my best season was when I played in that position at Chelsea under Rafa Benitez.”